College and University Blog
Going Back to School: 6 Things to Consider when Going Back to College as an Adult
College freshmen are often recent high school graduates, but research shows that the number of college students who are over the age of 25 is increasing rapidly. The National Center for Education Statistics found that the enrollment of students under 25 increased by 27 percent between 2000 and 2009 while the enrollment of students 25 and older during the same period rose over 43 percent!
Why Go Back to School?
People are deciding to go back to school for a variety of reasons, particularly because unemployment rates among job seekers with high school educations are substantially higher than unemployment rates among college graduates.
Adult students who already have two- or four-year degrees are also returning to college to pursue more advanced degrees in hopes of advancing their careers and increasing their earning potential. If you are thinking about going back to school but feel doubtful or have some questions, consider the following:
1. The cost of community college can save big money.
The 2008 financial crisis caused many students to turn to community colleges rather than four-year universities. According to the College Board, students at community colleges pay on average less than $3,000 per year for tuition and fees. And even though prices are low, financial aid is still available for students who qualify.
Community colleges offer programs that lead to associate degrees and job-specific certificates. Community college credits often transfer to four-year colleges or universes, where you can continue your education and complete your bachelor
Melissa Rhone+
Melissa Rhone earned her Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Tampa. She resides in the Tampa Bay area and enjoys writing about college, pop culture, and epilepsy awareness.